Jane Salihu
The Federal Ministry of Education has unveiled a major shift in agricultural education, with tertiary institutions expected to adopt curricula that place 80 per cent emphasis on practical training and 20 per cent on theory.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the report of the National Implementation Committee on the Review and Development of Agricultural Curricula for Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.
Alausa said the reform was designed to move agricultural education beyond classroom-based learning and equip Nigerian youths with practical skills capable of supporting employment, enterprise development and economic growth.
He explained that the new approach represents a significant change from the previous model of 70 per cent theory and 30 per cent practical training, stressing that the increased practical component would give learners the hands-on experience required to participate meaningfully in the agricultural sector.
According to him, the reform is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to develop a skilled workforce and maximise Nigeria’s agricultural potential in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister said the success of the new curricula would depend not only on their development but also on effective implementation, calling for adequate preparation of teachers, institutions and other stakeholders.
He urged the Ministry, regulatory agencies, academic institutions and industry players to intensify sensitisation on the reforms so that those responsible for implementation would fully understand the objectives and requirements of the new training model.
Alausa expressed optimism that the initiative would produce graduates capable of applying their knowledge directly to real-world agricultural activities, thereby helping to strengthen the sector and create productive opportunities for young Nigerians.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, commended the committee for its work and acknowledged the contributions of the National Board for Technical Education, Skills Council, industry representatives and academics to the review process.
Ahmad said the broad-based collaboration had strengthened the revised curricula, adding that sustained engagement with stakeholders and the public would be necessary to build understanding and support for the reforms.
Presenting the committee’s report, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje, disclosed that the exercise produced 36 new and reviewed ND and HND curricula, three NCE curricula and 31 National Occupational Standards.
He explained that 27 of the occupational standards were developed from scratch, while four existing standards were reviewed, providing a broader framework for skills development and practical training in agriculture.
Bugaje said the assignment had been completed and the resulting documents considered and approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Board and Commission.
He added that the complete set of curricula would be formally presented at a later public event, describing the outcome as an important step towards strengthening agricultural skills development in Nigeria.
Alausa assured that the Ministry would work closely with NBTE, tertiary institutions, industry stakeholders and other relevant bodies to ensure that the reviewed curricula translate into effective training.
He said the ultimate goal was to equip young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills that can transform agricultural education into productive opportunities, strengthen the sector and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
